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Review
. 2016 Nov;33(11):1431-1438.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-016-0788-z. Epub 2016 Aug 15.

The subcortical maternal complex: multiple functions for one biological structure?

D Bebbere  1 , L Masala  2 , D F Albertini  3   4 , S Ledda  2
Affiliations
Review

The subcortical maternal complex: multiple functions for one biological structure?

D Bebbere et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2016 Nov.

Abstract

The subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is a multiprotein complex uniquely expressed in mammalian oocytes and early embryos, essential for zygote progression beyond the first embryonic cell divisions. Similiar to other factors encoded by maternal effect genes, the physiological role of SCMC remains unclear, although recent evidence has provided important molecular insights into different possible functions. Its potential involvement in human fertility is attracting increasing attention; however, the complete story is far from being told. The present mini review provides an overview of recent findings related to the SCMC and discusses its potential physiological role/s with the aim of inspiring new directions for future research.

Keywords: Developmental competence; KHDC3/FILIA; NLRP5/MATER; OOEP/FLOPED; Oocyte; TLE6.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation of the hypothesized structure of the SCMC and localization within the MII oocyte
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Proven (continuous line) and hypothesized (dotted line) functions of the SCMC
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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